Photo Courtesy of Katie Dellota
By Katie Dellota
TAMPA, Fla. — Embroidery, beadwork and flamingos took front and center at the 2025 Tampa Bay Fashion Week pop-up held at Tampa Bay International Airport last Wednesday.
The 4-6 p.m. sneak peek gave content creators, photographers and journalists a first look into the upcoming fall and spring collection from Tampa Bay designers, including Bhavna Kanakia, Bracho Bosch, Caite & Kyla, Elizabeth Carson Designs, Suga Brown Designs, That’s Key and Urban Native and more.
Held in the Shoppes at Bayshore at the airport, the evening displayed the creativity and craftsmanship of local designers while highlighting their unique inspirations in their work.
Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a man in a black suit and fedora playing jazz on an electric guitar. Staff served guests berry pastries and beverages as guests mingled through the pieces.
The exhibit featured pink and white dresses, bejeweled bows and hair clips, and dozens of flamingo-themed shirts inspired by Phoebe the Flamingo, a 21-foot-tall flamingo sculpture located in the airport.
The craftsmanship of each piece was far beyond what the eye could see. Among the displays was a blue embroidered dress by Caite & Kyla made with tinsel, a high-quality, breathable fabric designed to provide comfort while being easy to pack for travel.
“We like to improve on what people love the most,” said Lauren Munns Culbert, a designer. “I can be the most creative when working with comfortable styles.”
Culbert’s collection also featured T-shirts in sandstone, ocean teal and Yukon gold. The designs included dragonflies, peace signs, and script reading “be bold, be kind,” reflecting the relaxed style of the current “yoga mom aesthetic” trend. The shirts featured raw edges rather than traditional hems, adding to their casual appearance.
Nearby, vibrant-colored accessories, including drawstring bags, necklaces, and money pouches, were made predominantly out of beads.
Bhavna Kanakia, designer of her namesake brand, incorporates Indian craftsmanship into her collection. She designs her pieces before sending them to India for production.
“I design the pieces myself and then send them to India for production,” said Kanakia.
She showcased intricately beaded earrings featuring magenta lotus flowers, winding vines and crystal-looking water droplets.
“I am known for my pieces being very lightweight,” said Kanakia.
When asked which piece represented her collection, Kanakia immediately picked up the lotus earrings.
“They are very important to me,” said Kanakia.
The lotus flower symbolizes Kanakia’s work. Known for its ability to grow with limited water, the flower reflects the designer’s approach to creating beauty without excess.
Jewelry designer Sanjam Chawla, founder of Jewels by Sanjam, also showcased pieces influenced by her travels and Indian heritage.
“In India, jewelry is not only an accessory,” said Chawla.
Her pieces, which are also produced in India, feature heavy gold plating made to prevent tarnishing. Her collection was scheduled to be featured at the designer exhibitions in St. Petersburg the following Friday.
Tampa Bay carries a message of freedom and spunkiness, one that continues to be expressed through fashion and the work of its local designers. Each piece reflects individual cultures and heritages while remaining connected by a shared identity as part of Tampa Bay’s fashion community. Fashion can be expressive, creative, and deeply personal, reminding us that what we wear can tell a story of where we come from and where we belong.